The Kitchen Backsplash
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or setting up a completely new one, there are a lot of elements to consider. Today, we’re going to look at the kitchen backsplash – in the past, the backsplash was always made of a boring material and was not given much importance in terms of adding to the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen.
Read on as we look at some trending kitchen backsplash styles to end up with a backsplash that is both functional and looks great.
Kitchen Backsplash Trends
While the kitchen backsplash started out as a way to keep your kitchen walls clean and to catch any oil that splattered off the pan or other food bits from getting stuck anywhere, now its purpose has become more diverse. Here are some common backsplash styles and materials that have become popular in recent times:
A Pop of Color
Bright colored backsplashes have become an ideal choice for monochrome kitchens to add a bit of color and life. For instance, a bright yellow or some other color of your choice in an otherwise entirely white kitchen will add some contrast and create a sense of luxury. Ideally, if you’re going for a bold backsplash, make sure that the lighting in your kitchen is also designed to show it off.
Pure Marble
If you have pure marble countertops or have come across a smooth slab of marble, you’ll know what we’re talking about. There’s something satisfying about looking at a smooth, veined piece of marble without any joints or lines in between. Marble backsplashes make your kitchen more premium, and they’re fairly easy to clean as well. Apart from that, marble has high heat tolerance and is an ideal material to use near your cooktop.
Stone Finish Backsplash
People have been getting more and more creative with interior decorating, and while some veer towards the minimalist trend, others prefer a more vintage vibe. Stone tiles and bricks can be used to create a faux-stone backsplash going around your kitchen for a more rustic, cozy look. If the stone look is getting a bit too intense for a smaller kitchen, it can only be used on one main kitchen wall and paired with a neutral backsplash in the remaining space.
Printed Tiles
From custom-designed tiles to patterns found in-store, printed tiles turn your kitchen backsplash into a centerpiece of sorts. Large prints and bold colors are a great contrast in a kitchen that has neutral colors and a straightforward layout.
Glass
Although you have to be very careful when dealing with a glass backsplash, it looks great. The reflective surface can make your kitchen feel more open and roomy, especially if it was on the slightly smaller side, to begin with. It’s also fairly easy to maintain since stains can be wiped off easily.
You just need to watch out for fingerprints and other marks that can make the reflective surface dull and dirty.
Mirrored Splashbacks
The late 21st century has been about expressing yourself and being bold. And what better way to do that than with mirrored, metallic backsplash? The sheen of the metal or the sparkle of whatever similar metallic material or finish you’ve chosen adds a touch of glamour to your kitchen. Most people tend to use this look in moderation, on say one or two kitchen walls, to act as a statement piece and to keep anyone from getting overwhelmed by the shine.
Again, this material is an ideal choice for a backsplash against a cooktop because of its high heat resistance and ease of cleaning up.
Chunky Tiles
Basic kitchen backsplashes feature small, plain tiles, usually in a neutral color. But while old school backsplashes are identifiable by their small tile layout, modern designs are going bigger and bolder. Larger tiles with plenty of print and color have become the new norm. These are great for a number of reasons. Firstly, they’re super easy to clean, and you’ll have less space in between tiles that needs to be grouted. Secondly, these large tiles make a kitchen look roomier and bigger and are ideal for small kitchen spaces.
Ceiling-High Backsplashes
Backsplashes used to end just where the array of the kitchen cabinets at the top started. But with modern kitchen designs, the concept of an open space has come into play. These open kitchens often get rid of many of the cabinets and replace them with bare walls, open shelves, or small pantries for storage. This leaves plenty of wall space above your counters. Instead of leaving the backsplash to finish abruptly in the middle, the new style is to take them all the way up to the ceiling, sort of like a 3D wallpaper.
A Touch of Gold
Just like the luxurious marble slab, the gilt of gold in your kitchen backsplash will add elegance. This can be in the form of tiles with gold speckle or glints of gold on a smooth, glass backsplash. Be careful not to go overboard – you want the gold to look classy, but not take it so far that it looks cheap.
Endnote
Backsplashes can be made from a range of materials, including basic options like ceramic and porcelain, to modern concepts like stainless steel and glass. Your choice depends on the room in your budget and your personal preference. For the backsplash behind your cooktop, you also need to consider factors like heat resistance, etc. which is why in many cases, the backsplash here is made of a different material than the rest of the kitchen.
If you’re thinking of redoing your kitchen, a good way to start is to install a fresh backsplash, which will make your kitchen look as good as new.